FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Financial Advisor Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$212,230/yr
Typical range: $178,624 – $236,267
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Financial Advisor salary by experience level in Chicago
Financial Advisor Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $81,224 | $6,769 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,805 | $8,734 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $122,272 | $10,189 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $147,251 | $12,271 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $212,230 | $17,686 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $288,737 | $24,061 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $307,864 | $25,655 | +279% |
Current Salary
$212,230
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $102/hr
Next Level Target
$288,737
Principal · 14
+$77Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
46/100
Below Average
+15% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Financial Advisor salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Financial Advisors in Chicago, IL earn approximately $212K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Financial Advisor make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $212K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $102/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Financial Advisor in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Financial Advisor in Chicago, IL earns $179K–$236K/yr.